Albany, NY – Long a priority for the Members of the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, today the Assembly and Senate passed the José Peralta New York State DREAM Act. This legislation will advance the educational opportunities of New York’s immigrant children by easing the financial burden of higher education. By eliminating the obstacles to obtaining state financial aid, undocumented New York students will be eligible for general awards, performance-based awards, and New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) funds when they meet certain criteria.

“New York has long been a symbol of hope and opportunity for immigrants coming to this country,” said Assemblywoman Tremaine Wright, Chair of the Caucus. “Immigrants are facing difficult and uncertain times under the current federal administration, but this legislation says loud and clear that here in New York, we know immigrants are a critical thread in the fabric of our society and our economy.”

As the Members of the Caucus continue to advance legislation that will reduce barriers in the communities we represent, we recognize that the DREAM Act is not merely an immigration issue, but is inextricably tied to reducing poverty, creating economic opportunity, and fostering upward mobility. As Americans and future Americans agree, education is the key to prosperity and achieving the American Dream. We will always stand with those who call New York home – no matter their country of origin – and fight to increase the ability of all New Yorkers to contribute to the fabric of society.

Senate bill sponsor, Senator Luis Sepúlveda said, “I am honored to sponsor the José Peralta New York State DREAM Act. This essential piece of legislation will create new pathways to higher education for our bright undocumented students who form an important part of our American family. Immigrant workers make approximately 17 percent of the overall labor force in the U.S. In our state, that number is much higher. Immigrants are 25 percent of our labor force and add roughly $100 billion in consumer power to our economy yearly. Immigrant students will now reach even greater heights because of the improved access to a world-class education. Through the José Peralta New York State DREAM Act, our shared American dream becomes a reality for thousands of deserving young immigrants.”

“This is a historic moment for New York State as we usher in the passage of the DREAM Act. After years of advocacy, DREAMers in New York will finally be able to step out of the shadows and use higher education to live their American Dream,” said Assemblywoman Carmen De La Rosa, Assembly sponsor of the bill. “Today we honor the contributions of immigrants who have made New York their home and allow for the opportunity for students to reach their maximum potential.”

“As the first DREAMer to be elected into the New York State Legislature, I am proud to co-sponsor the José Peralta DREAM Act, an important step in creating equity for our immigrant community,” said Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz. “But our struggle continues – we have the responsibility to continue fighting for additional protections, including drivers’ licenses for all, funding to ensure everyone is counted in the next census, and funding for comprehensive legal services to provide immigrants with effective representation when they are subject to the abuses of the current presidential administration.”